King Tides are once again expected this Thursday through Saturday. For those with coastal properties in Coral Gables, now is the time to make any necessary preparations. Below you will find information from the City of Coral Gables as well as suggested precautions and preparations you should make.
What are King Tides?
The king tide is the highest predicted high tide of the year at a coastal location. It is above the highest water level reached at high tide on an average day. King tides are also known as “perigean spring tides”. In southeast Florida, these typically occur in the fall.
What dates are the King Tides expected?
King Tides normally occur a few times per year and often cause nuisance flooding in coastal and low-lying areas. More severe flooding may result if King Tides coincide with bad weather conditions such as heavy rains, strong winds, or big waves. However, sea level rise is causing these tides to happen more frequently, to last longer and extend further inland than in the past.
Based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s tide predictions, King Tides will occur on the following dates this fall:
- September 9-11
- October 5-11
- October 20-21
- November 3-9
- December 2-7
Preparing for the King Tides
Most of the King Tide impacts are felt along the coast and in very low-lying areas near other water bodies. Residents who want to know which areas could potentially be impacted by the King Tides are encouraged to use some of the resources below which include NOAA Sea Level Rise Viewer and Miami-Dade County Flood Map.
On the Miami-Dade County map you can zoom into your neighborhood and click on the “flood frequency tab” you will see areas in red that are vulnerable to King Tide flooding.
Flooding can potentially obstruct access to roadways. If possible, move vehicles to higher ground before the King Tides begin and wash your vehicle down with fresh water after driving through salt water.
Residents can determine if home their lies in an area susceptible to other kinds of flooding using Miami-Dade County’s interactive map.
Residents in flood zones should prepare for flooding by having protection measures such as sandbags on hand, review their flood insurance policy, and make a plan for flood safety.
Safety Precautions
Additionally, follow these safety precautions:
- Do not walk through flood water if possible. It is can be a health hazard.
- If you do need to walk through flood waters follow good hygiene practices and wash your hands, clothes, and pets after.
- Do not drive through flooded areas – it is dangerous and can damage your vehicle. Find an alternative route.
- Boaters should be aware that high tides cause lower clearance under bridges – check the tide before leaving the dock.
Help the City document where flooding is happening as a result of king tides by sending photos to [email protected].
Additional Resources
There seems to be some confusion about tides. “King Tide” is a made-up name for perigean spring tide. The “spring” in its name does not refer to the season but to the verb (to spring). It can only occur when the moon is new or full, and at its perigee (closest to Earth in its orbit). On September 11, the moon is at perigee but in waxing crescent phase (24% illumination), therefore, no “King” tide. Due to the moon’s perigee and the higher mean sea level of early fall, tides could be higher than normal but not nearly as high as perigean spring tides. NOAA’s Fall 2021 high tide bulletin for Florida’s eastern coast states “no dates in September”.